Real Madrid are reportedly close to completing a contract extension for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, with transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano indicating that the agreement is awaiting only the Belgian international’s signature.

The Spanish club have made retaining their key players a priority, with several important figures recently securing or agreeing to improved long-term deals. Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler have reportedly reached renewal agreements, while Vinicius Junior extended his contract during the summer.

Courtois is now understood to have reached a verbal agreement with Madrid over a one-year extension that would keep him at the Santiago Bernabéu until 2028. According to Romano, representatives of the goalkeeper and the club are exchanging the documents required to complete the process, leaving the formal signing as the final outstanding step.

The development highlights Madrid’s determination to preserve the experience and quality of one of their most established players. Since arriving from Chelsea in 2018, Courtois has become a central figure in the team, producing important performances in domestic competitions and on the European stage.

The 34-year-old has made 344 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions, recording 131 clean sheets. His contribution has helped the club secure numerous honours, including three La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies.

Although injuries have disrupted parts of his recent seasons, Courtois has continued to demonstrate why he remains highly regarded among Europe’s leading goalkeepers. His shot-stopping ability, command of the penalty area and experience in high-pressure matches have maintained his importance to the team.

Madrid’s reported decision to extend his stay suggests that the club remain confident in his ability to perform at the highest level. While long-term succession planning may continue behind the scenes, retaining an experienced goalkeeper offers stability as the club manages its immediate sporting ambitions.

Courtois has featured in all 11 of Madrid’s matches this season, although his statistics so far show two clean sheets and 13 goals conceded. Those figures provide a snapshot of his campaign but do not, on their own, reflect his overall contribution or the defensive performance of the team.

The club’s willingness to continue with Courtois indicates that his experience and established position remain valuable despite the challenges Madrid may face in planning for the future. Keeping him at the Bernabéu would also avoid the immediate need to replace a goalkeeper who has played a major role in the team’s recent successes.

With the renewal reportedly approaching completion, attention has turned to the final administrative details before the agreement can be formally confirmed. Romano’s update suggests that the negotiations have progressed beyond the principal terms, although an official announcement remains dependent on the outstanding formalities.

If completed as reported, the extension would give Madrid greater certainty over their goalkeeping position through 2028. It would also allow Courtois to continue building on his achievements with the club while helping the team compete for major domestic and European honours.